The Jieng (Dinka) Council of Elders have met with Jubek elders in Juba and agreed to work jointly in support of peaceful co-existence of their communities, and urged the government to strive towards peace and the protection of civilians across the whole nation.

Speaking on Thursday evening after the two-days dialogue at the Ministry of Information hall, Gerade Francis, representing Elders of Jubek State said that they have agreed on a joint programme to address the grave inter-communal problems at present.

In a communiqué signed by Hon Tungun Lodu Rombe, Acting Chairman Jubek Council of Elders and Hon. Charles Joshua Diu Dau, Co-choir of Jieng Council they agreed also to initiate the setup of a national elders forum nationwide that will provide the basis of inter-communal dialogue and the preservation of customary modes of communication and dissemination of initiatives for peace and reconciliation.

The two councils said they are mindful that their communities are currently plunged into an unprecedented crisis which has engulfed the communities and led to tragic and enormous loss of human life and property, displacement of citizens and threats to their co-existence.

“We condemn all forms of violence and killings in the strongest possible terms and convey (our) sincere condolences to all the families affected,” the statement says. The two councils expressed regret for all atrocities that have been committed against the local communities.

They strongly urged the government to “ensure that the nation’s armed forces cooperate with civilians and communities in order to weed out negative forces rebelling against the government.”

The councils furthers demand an immediate halt to the senseless violence, retaliation, targeted or revenge killings by all parties to the current conflict and made a strong appeal to the public to remain calm and abide by the laws of the country. They stressed the need for the parties to the peace agreement to implement the agreement fully in letter and spirit.